Off the main route, Oahu has a unique side that you should explore.

The number of tourists visiting the Hawaiian Islands in recent years is higher than ever, making it challenging to get away from the crowds and connect with authentic Hawaiian culture. While there’s nothing wrong with seeing the island’s most famous attractions, for anybody who has traveled there more than a few times, the draw of ordinary life is too great. Here are seven ways to experience life away from the tourist trail. From choosing your own neighborhood to finding locally owned establishments, we hope to give you the most authentic Hawaiian experience we can.

1. Ignore the Hotels

Yes, there are many benefits and luxuries at Hawaii’s hotels, but you won’t run into any locals unless they work in the travel and tourism sector. Choose a vacation rental instead on the North Shore around Pipeline, Sunset Beach, or Haleiwa town. Vacation rental lodgings often reside on quiet blocks and are owned by locals. The neighborhood fruit and banana bread stands are generally only open in the mornings so get up early to go for a stroll or swim and be sure to stop at one of them before you go. Then, ask your neighbors where you can get your Mahi Mahi and swordfish, grill it with fresh pineapple, and eat supper on the lanai to round off a perfect day.

2. Enjoy the ocean

Even if you’ve visited the islands more times than you can count, surfing is a must-do activity. Take your first lesson with surf instructor and former professional, Ken Bradshaw and the Hawaiian Surf School. He Offers lessons to all levels from beginners, all-the-way to advanced surfers. If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, head to Sandy Beach and battle the famed shore break. A quick fore-warning, however, do not go to Sandy’s without prior body-boarding experience. After surfing, perhaps take a drive around the island to Kailua. While there, head to Oahu Island Grill for red curry, grilled fish, or a poke bowl with furikake rice.

3. Eat Modest (and Often)

The island is filled with tiny, fresh bites. Here are some key spots if you have time to travel the island. On your journey you may find all different kinds of people headed to one spot, surfer owned, Sunrise Shack and Pupukea Grill. If you stop by, you should definitely try the coconut quinoa curry with spicy ahi poke. Other must-try spots include Yama’s Fish Market, famed for its Lomilomi salmon and Kale pork, as well as Leonard’s Bakery and its famously sweet malasadas. Before your visit to the islands ends, be sure to stop by Musubi Cafe Iyasume, for a traditional spam musubi.

4. Buy Fresh & Local

The weekly farmers markets are the greatest place to get to know our local farmers and down-to-earth environmentalists. Fortunately, there’re many markets each week across Oahu. Just make sure to arrive early and grab what you can! On Wednesday evenings, check out the Blaisdell center markets for some of the freshest produce available.

On Thursdays, buy some ‘ulu (breadfruit) and lime (seaweed) at the Haleiwa Farmer’s Market. The KCC Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays. They offer freshly roasted Koko Crater Coffee along with traditional Hawaiian dishes like poi, taro hummus, and mochi. On Sunday’s most traders are found at the Mililani Farmer’s Market

5. Ditch the Mai Tai and Try Oahu’s Craft Beer Culture

Local craft beer pubs have been launched by both locals and visitors, and beer culture is expanding fast. The greatest small-batch experiments available can be found with the proprietors of Beer Lab. At Beer Lab, located off University Avenue, they capture the citrus tastes unique to an island brew. Head to Honolulu BeerWorks or Waikiki Brewing Company’s outside tap rooms in Kaka’ako for handcrafts spirits and batch-brew beers. You might even enjoy a beautiful evening stroll around this trendy neighborhood and check out the vibrant mural art

6. Select the Best Beaches

While most beaches are overrun with visitors, take the chance to prepare your snacks for a peaceful beach visit. Choose a spot along the North Shore route as you head towards Kaena Point (where much of Lost  was filmed). At Aweoweo Beach Park, a splendid North Shore alternative, you might come across local kite surfers. While Halona cove at Sandy Beach isn’t a secret to visitors, it is worth a visit to explore the tidal pools near the blowhole. During your visit, try head a few miles up the coast to Makapu’u Beach, a popular spot for Eastside folks.

7. Go hiking at dusk or dawn.

In Hawaii, it’s never a good idea to trek alone in case you become disoriented. Every year we lose both visitors and locals alike who venture off mountain trails.  However, you won’t need to fear about Kuliouou Ridge Trail because there are clear paths and stairs. The path crosses the mountain separating the island’s east and west flanks.

The lovely sunset stroll in the former war bunker above Sunset Beach Elementary School is worth checking out. Similarly, venture the Pillbox hike in Ehukai for a sunset to complete an ideal day in Hawaii.

View of H3 highway tunneling into Ko’olau mountains from the Aiea Loop Trail on Oahu. (Erica McMillan photo HonoluluVibes.com)

by Honolulu Vibes